New Nike initiative on Asian plants

Published on May 13, 1998.

Nike CEO Phil Knight, in a speech to the National Press Club in Washington, announced a series of new initiatives that address persistent criticism that Nike's Asian factories mistreat their employees. Among the steps Mr. Knight announced: expanded independent monitoring programs that will include non-governmental organizations, foundations and educational institutions, and an increase in the minimum age for footwear factory workers to 18 and the minimum age for all other light-manufacturing workers (apparel, accessories, equipment) to 16.